They are students, mothers, artists, job-seekers, office workers, political activists – everyday people facing everyday money challenges. Meet Mouthy Money’s new writers – they tell stories about their financial lives, dreams, successes and failures. And their words won’t just twang your heartstrings or make you clutch your sides with laughter – though they’ll certainly do…
Tag: car
Let’s talk about new car tax
Buying a brand new car is possibly one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make. It requires a lot of leg work, planning, and research. Economy, aesthetics, performance, size… there’s lots to consider. I’ve had my car for four years, and my little Toyota Aygo was perfect for when I was a nervy new driver –…
How to financially survive a car crash
I was recently in a car accident. I was literally hit by a truck. I say recently, it was in the summer of 2015, but it feels recent because I’ve only just been found as the non-fault party. I don’t want to go into too much detail (because I’m classy like that) but the basic…
Carpooling: a sensible way to save, or a fast track to hell?
Brimming with optimism about his new carpool arrangement, my husband (H) gleefully calculated his fuel savings and congratulated himself on doing his bit towards saving the planet. His workplace, near Reading, was a congested 40-mile route from where we lived in Surrey; plagued with frequent accidents, road works and frustrating delays. Not to mention £75…
How to insure your car without breaking the bank
It’s so exciting getting your own wheels but before you can take to the road, you must have motor insurance, and that can prove to be a major financial headache. Motor insurance costs are rising. In fact they’ve climbed by a fifth in the past year to leave the average yearly premium at £715, according…
What age of car offers best value for money?
Writing this blog is definitely doing my finances a favour. As I sat by the window, pondering the conditions that govern the finances of the average punter, my eye came to rest on my battered old Xsara Picasso, lurking out the back. It’s definitely been the most resilient car I’ve owned (touch wood), but there’s…
Easy money: how to make £100 at a car boot sale
Remember when I told you about how I was having a mega clearout of all my clothes, with the intention of eBaying the undesirables to make some extra cash? At the end of said clearout, there was literally a mountain of stuff. Seriously, it filled half my spare room. While I was very sad to see…
Banks, insurers and the Great Lie of Loyalty
When I was eight, I opened a Lloyds bank account. I remember my twin brother and me in the Plymouth city centre branch, on tip toes, trying to work out how to steal the strange pen fixed by a chain to the wooden counter (you were allowed to kill trees in those days) as my…
Buying train tickets online? Why I’d rather have good customer service
When I need a train ticket I go to the station. I’ve linked to it, because I thought you ought to see York station so you can appreciate why I might like to go there, instead of finding tickets online. I know this seems painfully old fashioned but there are several reasons for wanting to…
Clever commute? Why I swapped the car for my trainers
I’ve spoken before about my budget workout – a chin up bar, a kettle bell, and 40 minutes to myself at home, vs. an expensive membership of a gym full of parading muscular types in weird lycra outfits. It’s no contest. As many people juggling family and work commitments are aware, time is precious, and your…